Category: The Wedge

All You Need to Know for Country Calling 2025

Posted on by Jeff

Country Calling is back for year two and its looking and better than ever! The Country Calling Festival is set to return to Ocean City, Maryland, from October 3 to 5, 2025. This event has moved to a three-day event over two days last year and will feature over 25 country artists. These artists will performing across three stages: two on the beach and one along the boardwalk. Who can forget last year’s amazing weather as country’s top artist graced the stage.

This year’s lineup includes renowned artists such as Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Gabby Barrett, and closing out the show on Sunday is Luke Combs. ​For more details on ticket options, visit the official festival website.​

In addition to the musical performances, attendees can enjoy offerings from boardwalk businesses within the festival area, including restaurants, bars, and variety shops. The festival grounds also encompass Jolly Roger at the Pier, featuring amusement park rides and games.

There’s also great dining opportunities during the festival. Inside the event venue, check out local favorites, Harrison’s Harbor Watch and The Wedge Bar. Grab a seat and check out their amazing water views overlooking the inlet.

Still need a place to stay, there’s several great opportunities available close to the venue. Just steps from the entrance gates, check out the Oceanic Motel at the Inlet and the Plim Plaza Hotel on Second Street. Further down along the boardwalk, check out the Harrison Hall hotel and Courtyard by Marriott hotel on 15th street. Keep walking down the boardwalk and you’ll find the Quality Inn Boardwalk on 16th street and the Holiday Inn & Suites on 17th street. Before leaving the boardwalk, you will find the Flagship Hotel on 26th street, Dune Suites, Dunes Court and the Seabonay on 27th street. All are perfect locations for concert attendees in Ocean City, Maryland! 

Additional important FAQ’s:

Re-Entry Policy? Yes, you can leave and re-enter on the same day up until 7pm

Map & Stages: The 2025 festival map is official live, click here to see it.

Lockers: Lockers are available for rent.

Merchandise & Boardwalk Businesses: Yes, there will be official merchandise vendors, and local boardwalk/restaurant businesses inside the festival footprint will also be open.

Accessibility: The festival has ADA accessibility accommodations, accessible entrances, etc.

For the latest updates and additional information, refer to the official website, CountryCallingFestival.com Please see the daily schedules below.

Saturday October 4th

Sunday October 5th

The White Marlin Open is Back!

Posted on by Haven

The White Marlin Open is a 52-year-old deep-sea fishing event famous for being the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament. Hosted yearly in the waters of “The White Marlin Capital of the World,” a name bestowed upon Ocean City in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt, the competition reels in a massive crowd of spectators and competitors. Whether you’ve never heard of the White Marlin Open or you’re planning to visit and watch, here’s everything you should know about the tournament!

Photo courtesy Jim Motsko

About the White Marlin Open

The White Marlin Open was founded in 1974 by the Motsko family. The inaugural tournament had 57 boats, 150 anglers, and a total prize purse of $20,000. The event has been hosted by Ocean City ever since, earning titles such as the “World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament.” It lives up to the name, as the total number of boat entries since 1974 exceeds 15,500.

“The White Marlin Open began in 1974 with 57 boats entered in the tournament and a top prize of 20,000 dollars,” said director Jim Motsko. “In 2018 we had 382 boats entered and paid out over 5,450,000 dollars in prize money. It’s grown a lot since the beginning.”

Since then the tournament has only gotten bigger, with this year’s edition of the White Marlin Open watching 282 boats chase $7.2 million in prize money. 2025 also welcomes back past winners such as the Waste Knot, Blue Runner, and Floor Reel.

Watching the Tournament

The end-of-day weigh-in is the most popular time to watch the White Marlin Open. Starting at 4:00, people can see fish get weighed on the scale as boats fight to climb the leaderboard all night. Many people also enjoy seeing the boats return to the inlet. Flags are flown on each boat as they return to signify what fishes were caught and which are going to the scale.

The edges of the inlet fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to arrive early. There are also two restaurants with views of the inlet, which are perfect places to ensure a spot to watch without the crowds. Harrison’s Harbor Watch and The Wedge both offer a clear look at the returning boats, making them popular choices for dinner during the tournament.

Another way to watch is at the festival downtown. Marlin Fest is held during the White Marlin Open, featuring a daily livestream of the tournament weigh-ins, live music, food & drink, and local vendors! It’s a great way to support the community while celebrating the competition. The event is also completely family-friendly, bringing the action straight to you on a big screen at the beach!

If you’re not able to attend in-person, you can still tune in online! The official White Marlin Open website features the MarlinCam, a livestream complete with commentators and real-time reports as the fish hit the scales. If you want to see the inlet and returning boats, you can watch the cameras from The Wedge here.

A Seasonal Farewell: The Wedge Bar and Harrison’s Harbor Watch Closing for Winter

Posted on by admin

This weekend, Ocean City says a temporary goodbye to two popular establishments—The Wedge Bar and Harbor Watch. As Sunfest brings its usual excitement to the boardwalk, locals and visitors alike will be taking advantage of one last chance to visit these beloved spots before they close for the winter season. While these closures aren’t permanent, it still marks a moment of reflection as we bid a seasonal farewell to two cherished favorites.

The Wedge Bar

Though The Wedge Bar has only been open for two years, it’s already become a local hotspot. Known for its fun atmosphere and cocktails, The Wedge is a laid-back gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Whether your looking to unwind after a long day at the beach or catch up with friends over a drink, this small but mighty bar made everyone feel welcome this summer.

Join us on October 27th for their closing party! You won’t want to miss out on the choice of $4 beer, $6 rails, and $8 crushes all day long!

Harrison’s Harbor Watch

Harrison’s Harbor Watch, with its stunning views of the inlet and famous seafood dishes, has long been a staple in Ocean City’s dining scene. Positioned at the southern end of the boardwalk, this restaurant was a destination for those seeking fresh seafood with an unbeatable view. Families, visitors, and locals have enjoyed countless meals here, from the raw bar to Maryland’s iconic crab cakes.

As Harbor Watch closes for the winter season, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the countless memories made within its walls. While the restaurant will take a break, patrons know it will be back next season, ready to serve up more seafood and sunset views. This year was their 40th anniversary and they will be offering 20% off bottles of wine this weekend as a last celebration! Some of their specials will include buffalo shrimp, lobster ravioli, 40th anniversary crab cake, flash fried oysters, oyster stew, and lobster bisque.

Sunfest Weekend: A Perfect Time for a Final Visit

This weekend also happens to be Sunfest, one of Ocean City’s most popular events, bringing large crowds to the area for music, arts, and delicious food. Those attending Sunfest can easily stop by Harbor Watch or The Wedge Bar, taking advantage of the parking available under Harbor Watch. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy one last cocktail at The Wedge or feast on fresh seafood at Harbor Watch before they close their doors for the winter.

Until Next Season

As Sunfest wraps up and we say our temporary goodbyes to The Wedge Bar and Harbor Watch, it’s a chance to reflect on the good times had and look forward to their return in the spring. These two spots have become such a part of the Ocean City experience that their brief absence will be felt, but anticipation will build for their reopening!

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